A POPULAR wholesale club is set to open its first location in a new market.
The warehouse retailer promises to boost local retail growth.
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Sam’s Club is officially coming to Lathrop, California, marking a significant retail milestone for the fast-growing city.
The new warehouse store will be located in the Stanford Crossing development, a retail center led by Saybrook Fund Advisors.
It will be the first Sam’s Club in Lathrop and the entire San Joaquin County.
“This is a major win for the community, and we are excited to welcome Sam’s Club with open arms,” Lathrop Mayor Paul Akinjo said in a city news release.
“Lathrop’s position as California’s fastest-growing city makes it an ideal location for retailers.”
NEW DEVELOPMENTS
Sam’s Club will join other confirmed tenants at Stanford Crossing, including Blue Rain Car Wash, AutoZone, and a Fast and Easy Chevron Station.
Saybrook Fund Advisors and city officials emphasized the importance of having more shopping options closer to home.
“Lathrop is an emerging city, and its residents want more local retail options,” officials said in a joint statement.
Currently, the closest Sam’s Club to Lathrop is over 50 miles away in Sacramento.
The retailer’s arrival is expected to bring jobs, convenience, and a boost to the local economy.
“This announcement reflects the confidence that nationally recognized brands have in Lathrop’s future,” the statement said.
Saybrook’s shopping center project is designed for growth, with up to 5 million square feet of commercial space planned at full buildout.
“Having Sam’s Club as the major anchor tenant is a major benefit in attracting more retailers to the area to serve residents and the surrounding communities,” officials added.
MORE PLANS
Other upcoming developments at Stanford Crossing include a Wendy’s, Ono Hawaiian BBQ, a Home2 by Hilton hotel, a gas station with a convenience store, and a senior living facility.
Statement from Lathrop and Saybrook Fund Advisors
“Lathrop is an emerging city, and its residents want more local retail options, so they can shop, dine and be entertained closer to home. The closest Sam’s Club is more than 50 miles away, so Lathrop is a perfect location to serve local and surrounding communities.”
Sam’s Club, a Walmart-owned membership-based warehouse chain, currently operates 29 locations in California.
Its new store in Lathrop is part of a broader expansion strategy. “Sam’s Club plans to open approximately 15 new clubs per year while remodeling its existing 600 locations,” said Chris Nicholas, Sam’s Club President and CEO, during an April 2025 Investment Community Meeting.
An opening date for the Lathrop store has not yet been announced.
The city has indicated that more details, including construction timelines and amenities, will be released as development continues.
“We look forward to welcoming Sam’s Club and the many opportunities it will bring—for new jobs, increased local revenue, and greater convenience for our residents,” officials said.
FAN REACTIONS
Fans on social media were thrilled about the announcement and shared their reactions on Facebook, with many comparing the retailer to rival Costco.
“I can’t wait,” wrote one fan.
“It’s much better than Costco that’s for sure.”
“70 years since I lived on Lathrop Road near the railroad tracks, there was nothing in Lathrop,” said another.
“I can’t believe how that town [has] grown. I’ve left California. But I’d go to Sam’s Club any day over Costco and I have the choice to do both.”
“Just read it I’m so happy now,” another wrote.
“I hope that they will have cheaper prices than Costco.”
“I will definitely be switching from Costco to Sam’s,” a user added.